Marvel Studios' Guardians of the Galaxy is officially a hit, and has been hailed as one of the company's best films by many a critic. Before its release, the film was considered Marvel's biggest risk, based on an obscure team of cosmic heroes little known among comic fans, let alone the general public.

In celebration of Guardians' success, here are some other lesser known superhero teams we would love to see on the big screen...

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1. Doom Patrol
Introduced just three months before Marvel's own misfits, the X-Men, DC's team of superhero oddities are a different breed from that team of merry mutants. While X-Men frequently explored the themes of minorities and social acceptance, Doom Patrol has made a habit of embracing its strangeness.

With core members including Robotman - the brain of a critically injured racecar driver implanted in an artificial body - and Negative Man - possessed by a phantom of radioactive energy - the true depths of their weirdness were probably best explored in Grant Morrison's late '80s/early '90s run.

A Doom Patrol film could marry Warner Bros' established dark tone for DC adaptations with a contrasting element of fun and a healthy dose of the absolutely bizarre.

2. Planetary
It is a testament to Warren Ellis's WildStorm superhero team - a sort of spinoff/companion to The Authority - that it is so beloved by fans despite only featuring in 27 issues and three one-shots in over a decade.

The comic starring three superpowered paranormal detectives (of a sort) was an homage to various iconic sci-fi tropes - from the pulp heroes of the early 20th century to kaiju films, superhero comics, classic horror and beyond.

A Planetary film could celebrate the best of sci-fi and superheroes. This is the movie featuring giant ants, Sherlock Holmes and an evil Fantastic Four that we need to see.

3. The Zoo Crew
Captain Carrot and His Amazing Zoo Crew probably take the cake for most obscure and all-out weird inclusion on this list. This DC series starring a team of superpowered farmyard and domesticated animals - including Pig-Iron, Rubberduck and Yankee Poodle - ran for 20 issues in the early '80s, which is a respectable run by today's standards.

Disney is making a start on bringing superhero comics back to kids with its Big Hero 6 animation. The crazy, pun-filled, animal-run world of the Zoo Crew would make a great animation combining superheroics with Looney Tunes.

Captain Carrot was possibly the best thing about Grant Morrison's long-awaited The Multiversity #1, so expect to see a lot more of him in the future. An honourable mention also goes to Marvel's Brute Force and Pet Avengers teams.

4. Infinity Watch
If you thought the Guardians of the Galaxy were mismatched, check out the lineup to Marvel's post-Infinity Gauntlet cosmic team.

Each member tasked with protecting one of the Infinity Gems (which are playing a key role in Marvel Studios' overarching plot), the team feature some familiar faces including Gamora, Drax and... Thanos. Yes, the powerful villain was a member of the group, and would offer a chance to unite the enemies against a greater threat.

We would love to see Moondragon make it to the screen, too. That said, we would happily swap in Rocket Raccoon for Pip the Troll if that's okay with you.

5. Creature Commandos
DC's military-sponsored team features a who's-who of horror movie classics - Frankenstein's monster, a vampire, mummy, werewolf and fishperson. The concept was briefly revived in the publisher's New 52 reboot in the short-lived and under-appreciated Frankenstein: Agent of SHADE.

With Universal's ongoing attempts to revive its classic monster franchises, we think there is a place for a superhero action film channelling the cult favourite Monster Squad.

6. X-Statix
Originally introduced as a new X-Force team, Peter Milligan and Mike Allred's cult favourite team X-Statix brought something different to the world of the X-Men.

Rather than focusing on the tribulations of mutantdom, the entirely original teen heroes - including Dead Girl, Mister Sensitive and Doop - were more interested in the trials of fame. Coupled with Allred's ever-stunning art, Marvel has produced nothing quite like this before or since.

8. The Forever People
A short look over Marvel's existing film franchise is enough to show that comics legend Jack Kirby is bankable when it comes to movies. The artist and writer had a hand in Avengers and all its existing prequels/spinoffs.

The Forever People was part of Kirby's Fourth World project for DC Comics, alongside Mister Miracle and the rest of the New Gods. The young, superpowered hippy-like beings from an alien paradise attempted to make their way in our flawed world.

There is nothing like The Forever People even hinted at in the unending cycle of superhero movie plans and rumours, but with DC's introduction of a new comic series, maybe it is time for a revival. We think there is a place for a bit of peace and love in our comic book films, and this would be a fine chance to get the evil Darkseid onto the big screen.

Which obscure superhero teams do you want to see on the big screen? Contribute to the discussion in the comments section below!